Wrench.



PATENTED MAY 24, 1904.

H. GOWAN.

WRENCH. APPLIGATION FILED JAN. 19, 1904.

No MODEL.

UNITED STATES Patented May 24, 1904.

PATENT OEEICE.

WRENCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. l760,521, dated May 24, 1904. Application filed January 19, 1904. Serial Nol 189,772. (No model.)

To YL//Z wit/nn, t nea/y concern:

Beit known that I, HARRY COWAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hagerman, in the county of Chaves and Territory of New Mexico, have invented a new and useful Wrench, of which the following is a specilication.

My invention relates to wrenches of the type known as ratchet-wrenches, and has for its objects to produce a simple inexpensive device of this character which will be exceedingly strong and durable and one which in practice may be readily and accurately adjusted.

With these and other objects in view the invention comprises the novel features of construction and combination of parts more fully hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wrench embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same, showing the position of the parts with the sliding head locked. Fig. 3 is a similar view with the sliding head released.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that my improved wrench comprises, essentially, a primary lixed head 1, a shank 2, and a secondary sliding head 3. The head 1 is formed integral with the forward terminal of the shank, upon opposite sides of which latter it projects to produce oppositely-disposed engaging jaws 4 5, while the secondary head 3 is mounted for sliding movement longitudinally of the shank and projects upon opposite sides of the same to produce engaging 'jaws 6 7, adapted in practice to cooperate, respectively, with the jaws 1 5 for operating upon a nut or the like.

Upon one side face of the shank 2 and extending longitudinally of the latter for about half of its length there is formed an outstanding rib or projection 8, having a flat outer face provided with transversely disposed ratchet-teeth 9, the forward faces of which ineline slightly downward and inward and are adapted in practice for engagement by coincident teeth 10, formed upon the inner face of a locking member or pawl 11, pivoted for rocking movement upon a shaft or pintle 12, engaged at its ends with and supported by ears 13, between which member 11 is disposed. rlhe engaging teeth are formed at the forward end ofthe "member 11, while beneath the rear end of the latter, which projects rearwardly of the pivot for engagement by the operator, there is disposed a spring 14C, which normally presses the member into engagement with the rack-teeth 9. 1t is here to be noted that the front face of the forward terminal tooth l0 is vslightly beveled downwardly and rearwardly,

as at 15, while the front edge wall of the opening 16, through which the member projects, is correspondingly beveled, as at 17, whereby when the member is moved to releasing position, as seen in Fig. 3, these beveled faces 15 17 will come into engagement forlocking the member in said position, thereby permitting free movement of the head 3 longitudinally of the shank, this locking of the parts being automatic by downward pressure upon the rear end of member 11, due to the latter having a slight amount of play upon its pivotal axis. The spring serves in this connection, owing to frietional engagement with the adjacent face of the head 8, to overcome the otherwise free play which the pawl 11 would have on its pivot, thus insuring the pawl remaining locked in non-engaging position, as above explained, until subjected to slight pressure on its forward end. Itis also to be noted that by providing the rib or projection 8 upon the shank for the reception of the teeth 9 the latter may in the manufacture of the wrench be readily formed.

From the foregoing it is apparent that I produce a simple inexpensive device which will be strong' and durable and one in the operation of which after the member 11 has been automatically locked in releasing position, as above explained, the head 3 may be brought to the proper adjustment and readily locked in its adjusted position by slight pressure of the linger of the operator upon the forward end of the member 11. In attaining these ends I do not wish to be limited to the precise details herein set forth, inasmuch as minor changes in the form, proportion, and exact manner of assemblage of the parts may be made Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim isu l. In a Wrench, the combination with a shank provided with teeth, of a primary head Carried by the shank, a secondary head slidable upon the latter and having an opening provided with a front beveled Wall, a looking member pivotally connected with the head and having slight playupon its pivotal axle, said member being provided at its forward end with a beveled portion adapted Jfor automatic engagement with the beveled Wall to automatically loek the member in releasing position, and teeth provided on the member for engagement With the teeth on the shank.

2. In a Wrench, the combination. with a shank provided with teeth` of a primary head carried by the shank, a secondary head slidable upon the latter and having an opening provided with a beveled Wall, a locking member pivotally connected with the head and having slight play upon its pivotal axle, said member being provided With a beveled portion adapted for automatic engagement with the beveled Wall to lock the member in releasing position, a spring disposed beneath the rear end of the member and frictionally engaging the adjacent face of the head, and teeth provided on the member for engagement with the teeth on the shank. n

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto aiiixed my signature in the presence of tivo Witnesses.

.HARRY COVAN. vWitnesses:

FRED H. WILSON, HIRAu M. STECH. 

